Ferry Sinking in Northern Sudans River Nile State Claims at Least 21 Lives

At Least Six Rescued, Dozen Missing After Passenger Ferry Sinks on Nile River

A passenger ferry carrying approximately 30-35 passengers has sunk on the Nile River in northern Sudan’s River Nile State, resulting in at least six people being rescued and about a dozen remaining missing. According to officials, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the vessel was traveling between Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai.

The Sudanese Sovereignty Council has issued a statement confirming 21 fatalities, including women and children. Police Major General Qurashi Hussein, assistant director general of civil defence in Sudan, stated that six or seven people had been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals believed missing.

Hussein explained that teams from Khartoum were dispatched to assist with the operation, with all civil defence teams in River Nile State being mobilized to search for the missing. He also mentioned that teams are currently searching for bodies of those who drowned in the Nile.

The Sudan Doctors Network has released a statement highlighting concerns about river transport safety in Sudan and expressing disappointment over the initial response from local authorities and civil defence teams. The group is calling on authorities to implement immediate measures to ensure river transport safety and prevent similar disasters in the future.

Source: Al Jazeera